Brain Tumour Treatment: Hospitals, Costs, and Global Care

What is Brain Tumour Treatment?

Brain tumour treatment means using medical care to control or remove unusual growths in the brain. The aim is to stop the tumour from spreading, reduce pressure on the brain, and improve quality of life.

What is a brain tumour? It is a mass of cells that grows in or around the brain. It can be:

• Benign (non-cancerous): grows slowly and usually does not spread.
• Malignant (cancerous): grows quickly and may spread to nearby areas.
• Primary tumour: starts in the brain itself.
• Secondary tumour (metastatic): spreads to the brain from another organ.

A common myth is that cell phones or microwaves cause brain tumours, but studies show no proven link, unlike high-dose ionising radiation from certain medical scans.

Doctors plan the treatment of a brain tumour based on the type, size, and position of the tumour as well as the patient’s health. Common methods include:

• Surgery - to remove as much of the tumour as possible.
• Radiation therapy - to target and destroy tumour cells.
• Chemotherapy - medicines that attack cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy or radiosurgery - advanced treatments used in specific cases.

These options aim to remove or shrink the tumour, relieve symptoms such as headaches or seizures, and help patients live longer with better comfort.

Why Do People Need Brain Tumour Treatment?

Brain tumour treatment is needed to stop the tumour from growing, prevent it from spreading, and relieve symptoms that affect daily life. Without treatment, a tumour can damage brain function, making it difficult to move, speak, see, or think clearly.

Causes and Risk Factors

Doctors do not always know the exact cause of brain tumours, but several factors may increase risk:

• Family history of brain tumours
• Exposure to radiation
• Weakened immune system
• Genetic conditions
• Long-term exposure to harmful chemicals

Symptoms of Brain Tumour

Early signs are often missed because they resemble other conditions. Common symptoms of brain tumour include:

• Persistent headaches that worsen in the morning or at night
• Seizures or sudden fits
• Nausea and vomiting without a clear cause
• Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision
• Speech or hearing difficulties
• Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Personality or memory changes

How to Detect a Tumour in the Brain/Head

Doctors usually start by reviewing symptoms such as persistent headaches, seizures, or memory issues. They use a combination of clinical checks and imaging tests to confirm if a brain tumour is present.

• MRI or CT scan - Helps identify abnormal growth or swelling in the brain
• Neurological exam - Tests coordination, reflexes, balance, and vision
• Biopsy - In some cases, doctors take a tissue sample to confirm the tumour type
• Blood tests - Rule out other conditions or support diagnosis

When These Symptoms Lead to Treatment

Doctors recommend treatment when:

• Tests confirm a tumour in the brain
• Symptoms keep getting worse
• The tumour is pressing on vital brain areas
• There is a risk of permanent brain damage

Knowing what to do if there is a tumour in the brain is important. Quick diagnosis through scans like MRI or CT, followed by timely treatment, can improve recovery chances. Myheco can connect you with leading brain tumour specialists.

Success Rate & Outcomes of Brain Tumour Treatment

Understanding Success Rates

The success of brain tumour treatment depends on the type of tumour, its size, location, and stage of detection.

• Early Detection and Low-Grade Gliomas: For less aggressive tumours like low-grade gliomas, survival rates are very high, 82% to nearly 100% in recent studies. In children, survival can reach around 93%.
• Advanced/Aggressive Tumours (Glioblastoma): For more aggressive tumours such as glioblastoma, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 22% for younger adults when treated early with modern therapies.
• Paediatric Tumours (Medulloblastoma): For paediatric medulloblastoma, survival is also improving, with 80-90% success in standard cases and 50-70% in high-risk cases.

What Does ‘Success’ Mean?

Success is not always defined as a cure. It may include:

• Complete removal of the tumour when possible
• Slowing the growth of aggressive tumours
• Relief of symptoms like seizures, headaches, or vision problems
• Improved quality of life through rehabilitation and supportive care

Approach of Leading Hospitals

Specialised hospitals adopt a multidisciplinary model for brain tumour care, involving neurosurgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and rehabilitation specialists. Their strategies include:

• Early and accurate diagnosis using MRI, PET scans, and advanced molecular tests
• Neuro-navigation and intraoperative MRI for precise tumour removal
• Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted neurosurgery to reduce recovery time
• Proton therapy and radiosurgery (Gamma Knife, CyberKnife) for tumours in sensitive brain areas
• Rehabilitation programmes for speech, motor, and cognitive recovery

Expert Insights

Dr. Amitava Ray, Senior Neurosurgeon at Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, explains that for many patients, the idea of undergoing brain surgery, where a surgeon opens the skull to remove a tumour, feels frightening. However, he stresses that neurosurgeons perform such operations regularly and have extensive experience managing them. According to him, in cases of benign tumours, the likelihood of major complications is very low, under 2%. In practical terms, this means that if 100 people undergo surgery, about 98 recover well without significant issues.

How myheco Supports International Patients

For many patients, travelling abroad for brain tumour treatment is a major step toward recovery and hope. Myheco simplifies this process by connecting patients with expert specialists, arranging essential travel support, and providing clear guidance from the first consultation to post-treatment care.

Medical Guidance for Brain Tumour Treatment

• Connects patients with expert neurosurgeons and oncologists 
• Helps patients understand diagnosis and compare treatment options
• Provides second opinions to help patients make informed decisions.

Travel Assistance for Brain Tumour Care

• Provides medical visa invitation letters from accredited hospitals
• Guides families through the visa application process
• Assists with flight bookings aligned with treatment schedules
• Offers complimentary airport pickup and hospital transfers

Cost Transparency and Patient Support

• Shares clear, upfront cost estimates for surgery, chemotherapy, and radiosurgery
• Ensures no hidden charges throughout the process
• Provides multilingual coordinators for ease of communication
• Supports patients through treatment, discharge, and follow-up care

Choosing myheco means expert care, faster access, and comprehensive support throughout your treatment journey.

Note: Myheco does not provide medical advice.

Patient Stories

Advanced Treatment for Malignant Brain Tumour

A 6-year-old Bangladeshi girl diagnosed with a rare brain tumour received proton beam therapy at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai. The therapy reduced her symptoms and brought promising results. Her family appreciated the medical care and advanced technology that supported her recovery.

Successful Brain Tumour Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

A 52-year-old patient from Bangladesh with a complex brain tumour underwent successful microsurgery at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai. Led by Dr. Ari G. Chacko, the team applied advanced surgical methods to remove the tumour while safeguarding key brain functions. The patient made a full recovery.

Step-by-Step: Your Journey to Treatment Across the Globe

✅ Share your medical reports
✅ Receive personalised treatment plans from leading hospitals
✅ Choose the option that suits you best
✅ Let us handle the arrangements